Chris Black - the Jukebox man

We speak to Chris Black, Managing Director of Sound Leisure, who are the manufacturers of one of the coolest products coming out of Leeds… jukeboxes!

Chris explains how a broken piece of electronics inspired the launch of the business over 50 years ago. He also shares with us the ups and downs of running a family business, how Brexit, then Covid, almost destroyed the business, the way the pub smoking ban inspired the creation of a new product division in the company and the fascinating ebb & flow of vinyl, CD and digital music in the business.

He also gives us a passionate explanation as to why we should encourage youngsters into a career in manufacturing. Plus you’ll also get an invite to tour the jukebox factory to see these wonderful machines and how they are built.

INTRODUCING CHRIS BLACK

Chris Black joined the family business in June 1986, initially intending this to be for the duration of the 6 weeks summer holidays prior to enrolling for a painting & decorating course. However, 37 years later and having worked his way through most of the divisions within the company he is now Managing Director. Chris works alongside his father, who founded the business in 1978, his wife, brother and eldest son and along with 70 team members manufactures a range of Classic styles 

Jukeboxes that grace some of the world’s finest locations. In addition to manufacturing Sound Leisure also supplies over 1,300 hospitality venues with jukeboxes and Back ground music systems and has a children’s play division that supplies a wide range of sectors from airports to the NHS.

As a family business Chris believes passionately in supporting the local community, apprenticeships and working alongside schools and colleges to promote manufacturing and exporting within the region. Chris is a Northern Powerhouse Export Champion and has recently been voted in as the president of Leeds Chamber of Commerce.

EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS

[00:02:30] Why jukeboxes?

[00:04:45] The pros and cons of working in a family business

[00:09:00] Vinyl, CDs and digital music

[00:16:45] How the smoking ban brought around a new division

[00:00:00] The effect of Covid on the business

[00:24:30] The problems Brexit brought

[00:28:00] How to enjoy, and get the most, out of your business

[00:35:00] The importance of manufacturing to Leeds and the UK

[00:41:00] Book a tour around the jukebox factory

KEY TAKEAWAYS & BUSINESS LEARNINGS

• You got to have a differential between home life and work
• Think about changes in legislation can bring opportunities, rather than problems
• Surround yourself with good people 
• Find something you enjoy to give you downtime from the business
• Everyone should have a good non-exec board around them
• Leeds is the third biggest manufacturing zone in the UK

BEST MOMENTS

“Eddie put his hands in his pocket for £80k on a handshake with no contract to start the business”

“In 1980 we made our first vinyl playing jukebox. It 1982 Phillips and Sony launched the CD”

“If someone tells me I can’t do something, I’ll prove them wrong”

“With the vinyl revival we had to go into one of our sheds and pull out an old machine”

“I don’t care what anybody says Brexit is a pain. It’s cost the business a lot of money“

VALUABLE RESOURCES FOR YOU

Website: www.leedsbusinesspodcast.com 

Website: https://soundleisure.com/

Book a factory tour: https://soundleisure.com/book-a-tour/

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